Rosemare Dolmage and Majorie Wagner are volunteers who work at the store.

There’s a treasure trove of holiday gifts in the most unusual place. Just about everything in the store is handmade by 175 locals who are all over age 50.

Inside the Creative Endeavors store, which is tucked in the north corner of the Troy Community Center, shoppers will find jewelry, pottery, woodcarving, clothing, greeting cards, needlework, and more.

There’s many Michigan-themed items ranging from pot holders to glittery pins. A corner of the store is devoted to handmade children’s items like sweaters, doll clothes, and toys. In addition, there’s an array of seasonal items.

“Everything in here is unique, you can’t find most of these things at other stores and I think that’s one thing that makes this place special,” said Rosemarie Dolmage, a volunteer sales representative at the store.

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The City of Troy charges a 30 percent commission out of which they pay the Michigan sales tax and any expenses for the store. The remainder of the money is donated to the city’s senior program.

Volunteers run the store, which was opened in the Community Center 11 years ago. Donna MacGowan serves as the store manager, and she also does most of the decorating. It is located just outside the north exit, adjacent to the craft room.

About a year ago, city leaders considered closing the store to make way for an onsite physical therapy center. Seniors rallied together to save the store, and the city found another space inside the community center for the Detroit Medical Center — Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

“It’s a nice thing to have in the building,” said Carla Vaughan, Recreation Supervisor.

Clawson resident Sandy Karls has been selling the hats, mittens, and gloves she makes from recycled wool sweaters at Creative Endeavors for the last two years. She said she enjoys selling at the store because she can drop off her items and go. “I sell at shows, too, but this way it’s easier because I just bring my things here and then wait for the checks,” she said.

Creative Endeavors is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am — 2 pm and Wednesday and Thursday from 5 — 9 pm. New vendors are welcome. For information, contact Vaughan at 248.524.3492 or vaughancs@troymi.gov